Jeep Recalls 181,000 Wranglers and 254,000 Compasses and Patriots

Power steering return lines, seat belts, and airbag need fixes

Jeep-related NHTSA recall campaigns have made big headlines lately, but these recalls are to fix different issues. The first one is on the 2012-2013 Wrangler, but only those with the automatic transmission. It's possible that the power steering return lines could rub against a transmission oil cooler line. Over time, the oil cooler line could be affected, which then could cause the vehicle to lose transmission fluid and cause the transmission to stop working. To fix the problem, Jeep dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly and will inspect the transmission oil cooler lines. For lines that are in good shape, the dealers will add a protective sleeve; for those that are leaking, the lines will be replaced at no charge. Owners will be notified in July, and can contact Chrysler for more information at 800/247-9753. The recall affects about 181,000 Wrangler in the U.S. and 18,400 in Canada.

The second recall affects the platform-sharing Patriot and Compass, for model years 2010-2012. Both vehicles use sensor-activated seatbelt restraints, but it's possible that in a low-speed rollover accident, seatbelt pretensioners and side-curtain airbags may not deploy properly. To fix the problem, the dealers will upgrade the system controller software at no charge. As with the Wrangler recall, customers will be notified by Chrysler in July, but owners can call 800/247-9753 for more information. The recall affects 254,400 models in the U.S. and 45,400 in Canada.